Canton Township Prepares for Heated Trustee Election
Canton Township is buzzing with excitement as voters gear up for the upcoming primary election. With nine candidates competing for just four trustee seats, competition is sure to be fierce. Ballots are expected to roll out this week, and residents are eager to learn more about their choices.
Who’s Running?
The trustee race includes three incumbents: Kate Borninski, Sommer Foster, and Tania Ganguly, all Democrats. They are joined on the ballot by Ammara Ansari, another Democrat looking to make her mark. The Republican candidates in the running are John Anthony, Tyler Grable, Jeff Graunke, and Marko Kozina. Finally, Tammy Haggerty is stepping in as an Independent. The lucky four who secure the most votes will serve four-year terms on the board.
The current monthly stipend for trustees is $1,150.41, making their commitment significant, but also rewarding.
Candidate Insights
Hometown Life reached out to all the candidates to get their thoughts before the election. Unfortunately, John Anthony did not respond, but the rest did share some insight into their backgrounds and goals.
Ammara Ansari (D), 30
Currently the development director at Detroit Action, Ammara has lived in Canton for the past eight years. She’s passionate about community engagement and excited to bring a fresh perspective to the board. “I’m running for Canton Township trustee because I’m inspired by all the positive changes in our community,” she said.
Kate Borninski (D), 57
An incumbent trustee, Kate holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and has been a Canton resident for over 24 years. She feels proud of the progress made during her tenure, particularly in securing state funding for important initiatives.
Sommer Foster (D), 47
Having lived in Canton for 20 years, Sommer has a strong background in non-profits. She emphasizes the importance of community safety and greening projects, stating, “I want Canton to be all it can be for my family and yours.”
Tania Ganguly (D), 52
With a BE in electrical engineering and an MBA, Tania combines professional experience with a commitment to community service. She has been a trustee for four years and focuses on diverse programs that engage all community members.
Tyler Grable (R), 29
A financial analyst and Marine Corps veteran, Tyler has lived in Canton for three years. He aims to advocate for public safety and community growth, stating, “Canton needs leaders who are willing to speak up for our community.”
Jeff Graunke (R), 66
Owner of Thunder Bay Group, Jeff has been part of the Canton community for 23 years and is focused on transparency in spending and supporting local businesses.
Tammy Haggerty (I), 57
A business owner from Jacob Matthew Jewelers, Tammy believes the board needs to reflect the business community more effectively. “It is imperative that there is a business owner on the board to help guide decisions,” she emphasized.
Marko Kozina (R), 50
A recent retiree from the US Border Patrol, Marko strongly supports revitalizing community programs and investing in local youth through sports and recreational facilities.
Canton’s Major Issues
As the candidates hit the campaign trail, discussions are heating up around a few key issues facing Canton Township:
- Road Conditions: Many candidates, including incumbents like Kate Borninski and Tania Ganguly, emphasize the need for improved road and sidewalk infrastructure.
- Economic Development: With a focus on attracting and supporting local businesses, several candidates propose strengthening collaborations with organizations like the Canton Chamber of Commerce.
- Sustainability and Green Spaces: Protecting Canton’s green areas while promoting sustainable development is another hot topic among candidates, with initiatives underway to enhance the township’s nature reserves.
The Community’s Voice
As election day approaches, candidates are urging residents to make their voices heard, attend local meetings, and understand where each candidate stands on important issues. Community engagement and informed voting are pivotal in shaping Canton’s future as a vibrant township.
With so many candidates and issues at stake, the upcoming election could significantly impact the direction of Canton Township. One thing is for sure—local voters have an important decision to make, and their input is crucial for the community’s growth and development.
